Asia's Challenge in 2013: Nationalism

Tensions are on the boil, but the biggest problem is no one is trying to cool them.

By

Michael Auslin

Jan. 3, 2013 11:48 a.m. ET

The West's attention may be focused on the American "fiscal cliff" and possible breakup of the euro zone, but Asia, especially the northeast, offers its own challenges in 2013 that could affect global stability. Given regional rivalries and lack of trust, there is little reason to believe that Asia's problems will be solved in the coming 12 months. Instead, they may only fester, leading to greater complications down the road.

As odd as it may seem, Kim Jong Eun is now the senior leader in northeast Asia. The last...